T. Narasipur: Cremating bodies on the banks of Ganges River has been a common sight but surprisingly such an unwelcome practice seems to have arrived on the bank of River Cauvery in Talakad, a popular pilgrim and tourist place in the taluk.

A video footage of a burning funeral pyre on the river bank, said to be uploaded by a Freelance writer on social media, has gone viral kicking off a public debate driving authorities concerned into a tizzy.

When the Freelance writer visited Talakad recently along with her family members in the afternoon, she was shocked to see the burning funeral pyre on the river bank while tourists were relaxing in the shallow waters nearby. She videographed the incident on her cellphone and forwarded to her contacts which got uploaded on the social media.

When the writer enquired about the ugly incident with a few people at the spot she was surprised to learn that a few residents of Talakad were allowed to perform cremation on the river banks and the practice was on for a long time.

When the footage went viral, Police intervened and asked the authorities concerned to inquire into the incident and take necessary action.

Police are said to be waiting for a complaint from officials of Forest Department who were guardians of the property.

Additional SP N. Rudramuni said a reply was awaited from T. Narasipur Tahsildar to confirm whether permission was granted to anybody to cremate the body on the river bank.

Now the incident has come as a setback for the tourists who used to flock the river banks during weekends for a picnic and it has to be waited and watched for the repercussions.